Can 'secular' knowledge enhance Torah study?

Can we learn wisdom from other nations?

Did ancient cultures influence Judaism?

 

Rabbi Elia Benamozegh’s 19th-century Torah commentary (Em LaMiqra) stands at the centre of these controversial questions - incorporating science, philology, archaeology, and history. Praised by some and banned by others, it was accused of blending the holy with the 'profane.'

 

In this first-ever English translation of his response to his detractors, you can read Rabbi Benamozegh’s passionate defence - not just of his book, but of a deep-rooted Jewish tradition that embraces truth from all sources to illuminate and enhance the study of Torah.